Edition 9 December 2025

THE Maleny Singers are once again bringing festive cheer to the community with their much-loved Christmas Carol concert, a tradition now running for more than two decades.

By Sonia Isaacs

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The concert will be held this Friday, December 12 from 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Maleny RSL. Full

BEERWAH’s 90-year-old co-operative is preparing for the fight of its life as the end of its lease looms and the state’s Wave rail project moves closer to resuming the site of the community co-op and service station. Beerwah Co-op board president Ken Bullen said the organisation is pursuing a dual strategy: mobilising the community to oppose the leased land resumption while simultaneously planning for the possibility of relocation. “We owe it to the community… we’ve got to try to put up a fight to get the best outcome we can ... If we don’t try, then we’ve not done our job.” Story p3

By Sonia Isaacs

ALDI has applied to the Sunshine Coast Council to significantly relax nighttime delivery limits at its Beerwah supermarket. The proposal, lodged

on November 21, 2025, by Project Urban would allow one delivery per hour between 10 pm and 6 am, up from the current single overnight delivery.

The move is aimed at keeping shelves stocked with high-demand and perishable items, particularly fresh produce, and providing flexibility in delivery schedules to meet modern operational and supply chain needs. Story p5

WEDNESDAY, 12 NOON

NEWS TEAM

MITCH GAYNOR ManagingEditor mitch@gcnews.com.au

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TINA GRIEVE tina@gcnews.com.au

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DESIGN AND LAYOUT

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ADMIN & ACCOUNTS

ANGELA USHER angela@gcnews.com.au

FROM THE EDITOR

WHEN one hand doesn’t know what the other is doing, you get something like what happened in Maleny last Wednesday.

Energex and TMR bookended a complete debacle for residents and retailers trying to navigate the normally busy but managable Maple Street route.

Deliveries were delayed or abandoned, cafes were vacant and traders weren’t selling as motorists, fed up with kilometrelong queues, 45-minute delays and confusing detours eventually just gave up.

Street for a day, it’s fair enough to wonder out loud what months of capital works on the main street will do?

Watch this space. Brain fades

I SUPPOSE our little household sits right in the sweet spot for the rollout of the under-16 social media ban, which kicks in this week.

Personally I wish the government had taken it further and banned adults, but it seems like it’s always the kids that need saving.

How that happened with no warning is best le to the geniuses at Energex who seemingly forgot to tell anyone they needed to replace a power pole.

Deliberate or not it was exquisite, Utopian-style timing right in the thick of Christmas trading.

More disturbingly for traders is the potential impact of months of infrastructure works when - fingers crossed - Maleny’s Streetscaping project actually starts.

If replacing a pole and cleaning some drains clogs up Maple

FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS

With two young teens in our household I asked them both what they thought of it. Both were livid and of course had been devising workarounds that I didn’t want to know about.

For us, the horse has bolted.

They’re both in the thick of social media and for us as parents it’s about managing this modernday reality and making sure they can and do talk to us about whatever on earth they talk about on socials.

Every generation of teenagers has rallied against adults; social

media is just a new way of keeping us at distance.

Ironically I’ve always thought schools and the education system should shoulder some of the blame.

We tried desperately to keep devices out of our kids’ hands until high school, but the schools chipped away at that idea until it became virtually impossible to do schooling without a screen.

These are the same institutions that rightly rail against shrinking attention spans and the creeping presence of AI, yet they’ve helped normalise the device as essential from a very young age.

Back in the day, your teenage daughter might lie on the hallway floor on the telephone for hours.

This feels worse. Maybe it isn’t. But the difference now is the phone used to be a thing you did. Social media and devices are a place they’re living.

So sure, ban it. But good luck undoing a generation-plus of building a world where a small screen is both the classroom and the reward at the end of it.

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The Maleny Singers will once again be holding their Community Christmas Carols fundraiser on December 12.

Photo: Viera Keogh. Story p14

By Sonia Isaacs

WILDLIFE carers, the Twinnies, have lent their voice to the growing community campaign opposing two major development proposals at Coochin Creek, urging Queensland’s Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie to “think hard” before allowing construction in the environmentally sensitive greenbelt and

for their passionate and long-running work rescuing and rehabilitating coastal birds said the proposed 35,000-capacity music festival site and neighbouring 150-site tourist park would create “triple tragedy” for wildlife already under pressure.

“There are no winners here,” they said.

“All the birds will lose their home and territory. This will stress them as they

journey, and they’ll be at higher risk of botulism. It’s going to break our hearts, and the birds’ too.”

The Twinnies visited the Coochin Creek boat ramp recently with members of the community coalition, urging residents to sign a petition and lodge submissions.

“Please add your voice and protect the Passage and our greenbelt,” they said. “These proposals sit in areas of high ecological significance.” Their plea comes as community and

environmental groups continue encouraging public participation in the Deputy Premier’s ministerial call-in review. Groups including Sunshine Coast Environment Council, Take Action for Pumicestone Passage and Northern Inter-Urban Break Integrity Association say both developments should be rejected in favour of decisions “grounded in evidence and the public interest.”

sonia@gcnews.com.au

Co-Op gears up for TMR battle

Action group formed as Co-Op rallies community ahead of Wave train station upgrade

BEERWAH’s 90-year-old co-operative is bracing for the fight of its life as the end of its lease looms and the Wave rail project moves closer to taking back control of the Simpson Street site housing the community coop and service station.

Beerwah Co-op board president Ken Bullen said the organisation is pursuing a dual strategy: mobilising the community to oppose the leased land resumption while simultaneously planning for the possibility of relocation.

“We owe it to the

community,” he said.

“We’ve got to try to put up a fight to get the best outcome we can for the local community and the farmers.

“Our duties as board members are to protect the interests of the shareholders, as well as the interests of the community. If we don’t try, then we’ve not done our job.”

The co-op is helping to form a Save the Co-op Community Action Group to oppose the proposed

and Main Roads (TMR)and Queensland Rail (QR) and has a meeting scheduled for December 22 to discuss options should relocation prove inevitable.

Mr Bullen warned that while moving the retail, hardware and garden centre operations would be a “big but doable job”, relocating the service station could be financially out of reach.

“The logistics and the cost of relocating that service station are extremely prohibitive,” he said.

He estimated the service station component alone,

including land, could cost in the order of $4–$5 million.

“If they resume that site, the chances are we will not be able to logistically or financially relocate that service station,” he said.

“It’s highly probable it will not be feasible.”

Mr Bullen says the loss of the town’s main truck-accessible servo would have serious flow-on effects for local businesses and freight operators who rely on Beerwah as a convenient gateway to the hinterland.

sonia@gcnews.com.au

The Twinnies are urging supporters to reject the proposed Coochin Creek developments. Photo: Sonia Isaacs.

Co-Op staff stand firm against TMR plans for the site.

Maleny businesses hit hard by dual works

Energex and TMR bookend main street chaos as retailers fume

By Sonia Isaacs

MALENY’S Maple Street

came to a near standstill on Wednesday, December 3, as simultaneous works by Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Energex brought the town’s main strip to a crawl leaving local traders reporting a “massive” impact on one of the busiest trading periods of the year.

Maleny Commerce spokesperson Rob Dodd said businesses were blindsided when Energex began major power pole works on the same morning TMR’s two-week drainage project had already diverted traffic around the town.

“Between 8am and 10am, trade was down by between 50 and 80 per cent on what is normally a solid trading day,” Mr Dodd said.

Motorists were reportedly taking up to 40 minutes to travel from the police station to the IGA car park, with confusing detours sending vehicles up Teak Street which had been reduced to one lane due to Energex activity. “It was gridlock,” Mr Dodd said.

“Deliveries were delayed,

and people missed medical appointments. Businesses are really concerned as this four-week period is critical for covering the quieter months. To have this happen now is devastating.”

Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, said he understood the frustration and acknowledged the confusion about access to Maple Street, despite the street technically remaining open for business throughout the disruption.

“There was no communication between

timing, which is why we’re all a bit cranky,” Mr Powell said. “It appeared people were so fed up they’d sat in a queue for 45 minutes because of the works in Teak Street. The Energex maintenance work contributed unexpectedly to the disruption.”

Mr Powell said he had instructed capital works teams to update and improve signage to ensure motorists were aware the business centre remained accessible.“There’s never a good time to conduct major

the works done quickly and reopened as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’m doing everything I can to mitigate the impact on businesses.”

Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said the Energex work “was a surprise to everybody,” adding he had not been informed and doubted council had been formally consulted. “It’s not only poor planning, but it’s also a very poor time of year to be doing it,” Cr Johnston said. Following Wednesday’s

heavy delays, Mr Powell advised that “Energex had completed its urgent works on Teak Street”.

TMR’s scheduled works on Beech Street will continue over the next two weeks with detours via Teak, Tamarind and Bean Streets. “Maple Street remains open for business as usual, and signage near the school has been updated to reflect this,” he said.

Mr Dodd said he was relieved to see traffic flow return to near normal on Thursday morning. “There are no blockages into town now. The temporary bypass is operating smoothly, and people can get in and out,” he said. “Thanks to the public and retailers for their patience while the issue was resolved. Lesson learnedwe need better coordination between departments.”

He also thanked Mr Powell for stepping in and helping facilitate communication.

“It’s back to business for us now, and we look forward to welcoming trade right up to Christmas and celebrating together at the Christmas Street Festival on Friday,December 12 2025.”

SUNSHINE Coast residents affected by recent destructive hailstorms can now access emergency financial support, with Personal Hardship Assistance grants activated across several impacted suburbs.

The grants delivered through the joint Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) provide $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more, to help cover essential needs such as food, clothing and medicine. Eligible suburbs include Beerburrum, Bald Knob, Beerwah, Caloundra, Conondale, Glasshouse, Kenilworth, Maleny, Montville, Peachester, Witta and Reesville. Applications can be lodged online at qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or by calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349. where information on eligibility is also provided. Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy urged residents to apply as soon as possible. “These grants are crucial to get those impacted over the hump,” she said. Our Community Recovery Hotline is available 24/7, with staff ready to talk through the support on offer application process.”

Federal MP rolls into Beerwah for annual ‘tour de Fisher

By Sonia Isaacs

MEMBER for Fisher

Andrew Wallace hit the road last Tuesday, launching his 2025 “Tour de Fisher” to meet residents across the electorate and hear their concerns firsthand.

Over three days, Mr Wallace cycled between more than a dozen locations from the Hinterland to the Coast, hosting 14 listening posts in total. He described the tour as one of the most important weeks in his

calendar a er a “huge and demanding year” for both Fisher and the nation.

“From cost-of-living pressures to debates on national security, FOI reform, justice and infrastructure funding, it has been incredibly busy,” he said. “But the most important part of my job is listening to the people I represent.”

Residents raised concerns about rising living costs and soaring energy bills ahead of Christmas, although Mr Wallace said the decision

to drop the region’s netzero emissions target had received strong support. He also responded to questions on the “Wave” rail project, which he said would rejuvenate Beerwah’s main street and improve public transport for hinterland communities. Mr Wallace said ongoing conversation and collaboration between federal and state governments would continue to be crucial as the electorate prepared for major change.

Aldi trucks on into the night

Grocery retailer seeks to overturn ‘outdated’ 2012 nightime delivery restrictions

By Sonia Isaacs

Sunshine Coast Council for

a significant relaxation of night-time delivery limits at its Beerwah supermarket, in a move the retailer says is necessary to keep shelves stocked and meet modern supply-chain demands.

The minor change application, lodged on November 21, 2025 by Project Urban, proposes allowing one delivery per hour between 10pm and 6am. The store is currently limited to a single overnight

additional flexibility would help Aldi respond to high demand for fresh and perishable goods, ensure product availability during peak trading periods and avoid daytime congestion in the loading dock area.

To address concerns regarding potential noise impacts on nearby residents, the application included a comprehensive Noise Impact Assessment undertaken by ATP

provisions under the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014. Engineers concluded that existing

structure already provide effective screening that limits sound reaching surrounding homes.

Additional mitigation measures outlined in the proposal include the use of quiet floor trailers, disabling reverse beepers at night, and relying on CCTV for manoeuvring within the loading area.

The application also notes the original 2012 approval was issued under the former ‘outdated’ Caloundra City Plan 2004, and argues the current planning scheme better

reflects contemporary standards, regional growth and operational realities for large-format retail.

While Aldi declined to provide an official comment, it is understood the retailer intends to maintain its practice of utilising limited overnight delivery, despite seeking the broader delivery window.

As the proposal is classed as a minor change and does not introduce new impacts, no public notification is required. Sunshine Coast Council is now assessing the application.

Beerwah resident Ron meeting with Andrew Wallace last week.

E-scooter: calls to curb use

A COMMUNITY safety pledge launched by Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton has drawn more than 400 signatures within hours, as she urges parents, carers and residents to take a stand against unsafe e-scooter and e-bike use by children.

Released on November 28, the pledge aligns with a new Queensland Government safety campaign warning families ahead of Christmas about the dangers of buying and using e-mobility devices.

The statewide campaign Know Your eRules is being led by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and follows rising concerns about young people riding illegal e-motorbikes on public streets, particularly in South East Queensland.

Ms Morton said the message was simple: children under 16 are not permitted to ride e-scooters

unsupervised, and many are using devices that are illegal or unsafe. “As a community, we’ve had enough,” she said. “How many more children need to lose their lives, their limbs or suffer severe injuries before we acknowledge they’re not old enough to operate these devices safely?” With a parliamentary inquiry into e-mobility safety underway until March, Ms Morton said families could take immediate action by pledging to keep children under 16 off e-scooters and e-bikes and returning them to push bikes until they are old enough to ride responsibly.

She encouraged parents to speak openly with their children and neighbours:

“Let’s show we’ll no longer put our kids at risk.”

TMR officials and Police have backed the call-out, reminding parents they may face penalties if children ride illegal devices.

festival is a commitment to showcasing local talent. Visitors can expect to encounter the lively roving elves of Goat Track Theatre, who will be weaving

plenty of opportunity to support local retailers.

A major drawcard for children is always Santa, who will make his appearance Festival promises

LaijuDevassyandSani. RogerReilly.

Edgy event

By Sonia Isaacs

AN incredible array of unique and thoughtprovoking sculptures captivated guests at Flaxton Gardens during the vibrant opening gala of Sculpture on the Edge on Friday, November 28.

The event showcased an inspiring blend of talent,

imagination, and creative expression from artists across the Sunshine Coast and beyond.

Attendees explored a diverse collection of works, ranging from intricate small-scale pieces to bold outdoor installations.

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Elle and Ken Baker.

Mieke De Deyne, Eva-Marie Seeto, Robert Elliot. Cr Natoli, Cr Law, Mayor Natoli, Cr Johnston and Cr Bunnage.

Helen Perry, Claire Quarrell, Prof Jennifer Radbourne, De Lamby Wulf. (Photos: Sonia Isaacs)

Viera Keogh (Image supplied).

Jen Braithwaite, Andrew Powell MP.

Deb Weaver, Jean Bennett and Shiralee Cooper. (Image supplied)

Wendy Roe with Sculptor of the Year Megan Robinson.

Christmas Market

Care’s Christmas Market, held last Wednesday, December 3, delivered a warm and inclusive and fun, with locals enjoying festive stalls, handmade gi s and friendly catch-ups.

GLASSHOUSE Country

Organisers said the relaxed event embodied the spirit of the season, offering a welcoming space for all to connect and support one

Elysha, Livvy and Mandy.

Tess, Lauren, Sandy and Tamara.

Photos by Sonia Isaacs

Jim, Marshall, Dale and Rick.Kylie, Sarsh, Dan, Steve, Peter, Nicola.

Annette and Judy.

Jenny, Marlene amd Jenny.

Crackdown on super failures

THE corporate watchdog will escalate action against superannuation trustees in 2026 as part of a broadened enforcement crackdown targeting unreliable financial reporting, private credit misconduct and misleading pricing practices across the nancial sector.

ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court said failures by super funds to deliver basic member services had become a growing source of concern, prompting the regulator to expand

investigations into the way trustees report, value and manage unlisted assets, including those held in private credit vehicles.

She said reliable financial information was now critical as super funds play a larger role in the economy. Ms Court said ASIC had doubled new investigations over the past year, nearly doubled matters filed in court and increased criminal prosecutions, resulting in lengthy jail sentences for financial fraud.

She said 2026 would bring “strong, visible and active enforcement” aimed at shielding consumers from financial harm.

New priorities include misleading pricing practices that worsen cost-of-living pressures, poor private credit conduct and failures by insurers to manage claims and complaints.

ASIC will also step up action against entities that do not lodge financial reports on time.

The collapse of the Shield and First Guardian Master

Funds has been elevated to a dedicated priority, with more than 40 staff continuing to examine what ASIC calls one of its largest and most complex matters. The regulator has shi ed from returning available funds to investors to holding those involved to account.

Ongoing priorities include insider trading, predatory conduct targeting financially stressed households and unlawful attempts to avoid paying small-business creditors.

Why ‘Retirement Age’ is a lie

By Chris Carlin, Glasshouse Wealth

GREG believed a common financial myth that many Australians quietly fall for.

By challenging that belief, he is now on track to retire a full decade earlier than he thought possible.

Greg* is a 48-year-old truck driver. He loves his golf, adores his kids, earns a solid income, has his mortgage under control and has built a healthy superannuation balance. Life is good!

But when he thought about doing the same demanding job for another 20 years, he felt completely deflated.

The reason was simple: he believed in the idea of a fixed “retirement age”.

Like many Australians, Greg assumed he had to work until 67 because that is when the Age Pension becomes available. It felt locked in, unavoidable and immovable. But the truth is far more empowering. There is no official

retirement age in Australia.

Sixty-seven is simply the age at which you may qualify for a welfare-funded retirement. Sixty is the age most people can access their superannuation.

Your real retirement age, however, is the age at which you have enough money invested to stop working comfortably.

With the right planning, that point can arrive much sooner than expected.

In Greg’s case, by keeping his income steady, starting an investment portfolio,

steadily reducing his mortgage, making a few extra super contributions and using very conservative projections, we estimated that he could comfortably retire around age 57.

Ten years earlier than he once believed.

As we head into 2026, now is the perfect time to understand your own retirement timeline. Feel free to get in touch.

*Name changed for privacy

NOTE: Glasshouse Wealth will be closed from

Thursday, 18 December, and will reopen on Tuesday, 13 January.

mind.

We hope you have

a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year spent with family and friends!

PEOPLE recovering from natural disasters are being warned to watch for “disaster chasers” offering cut-price repairs or help with insurance claims, amid concerns vulnerable residents are being targeted a er major weather events.

So-called disaster chasers o en appear in neighbourhoods hit by hailstorms, fires, floods or cyclones, approaching residents through door-knocks, cold calls, letterbox drops or targeted online ads. They may claim

Ute vs car tax rules guide

Why vehicle type can reshape your return Disaster chaser warning

and the full purchase price can be depreciated in accordance with ordinary depreciation rules.

your depreciation claim is the full purchase price. For many clients, this comes as a surprise, particularly when

to identify damage, manage an insurance claim or carry out repairs, but consumer agencies caution that dealing with them rather than your insurer can leave you facing higher out-of-pocket costs.

Authorities say the financial and emotional strain of disasters creates an environment ripe for high-pressure sales tactics.

Residents are urged not to sign anything on the spot and to read all paperwork carefully.

Any unsolicited

agreement generally carries a 10-day cooling-off period, during which it can be cancelled simply by notifying the business.

Warning signs include today-only deals, requests for upfront payment, immediate contract signing or attempts to prevent you dealing directly with your insurer.

Residents unsure about a tradesperson’s legitimacy are encouraged to ask for identification and confirm details with their insurer.

designed to carry a load of more than one tonne or to transport more than eight

This distinction o en makes utes an attractive option for businesses where a higher payload vehicle is genuinely required. The tax benefits can be substantial, but it’s important to ensure the vehicle genuinely meets the over-one-tonne test and is used appropriately for business purposes.

As always, choosing the right vehicle should balance operational needs with tax considerations. If you’re weighing up your options, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.

Fiesta Latina at school

project that brought learning to life.

Through music, dance, storytelling, art, and handson activities, students explored the richness of

practised greetings, instructions, and simple conversations in Spanish, all while preparing displays, performances, and

interactive experiences to share with younger classes. This intergenerational aspect allowed our senior students to step into leadership roles, proudly guiding others through what they had created.

Fiesta Latina not only supported language learning but also strengthened cultural understanding and respect.

Glass House Mountains giving

ON Tuesday last week, the Glasshouse Mountains Neighbourhood Centre had the pleasure of visiting the Landsborough Joey’s Scout Group for a meaningful community initiative.

The enthusiastic Joeys, aged 6 to 8, demonstrated the true spirit of giving by collecting grocery items for donation to the Neighbourhood Centre. Their efforts not only provided essential supplies for those in need but also showcased the importance of community involvement at a young age.

During the event, two representatives from the Neighbourhood Centre took the opportunity to recognise the Joeys’ hard work and dedication. Each young Joey was presented with a certificate in appreciation of their contributions.

These remarkable children have proven themselves

to be true life superheroes, embodying the values of kindness and service.

The collaboration between the Glasshouse Mountains Neighbourhood Centre and the Landsborough Joey’s Scout Group exemplifies the power of community spirit and the impact of youth engagement.

A heartfelt thank you

goes out to the Joeys for their generous donations and commitment to helping others.

Their actions inspire us all to contribute positively to our community and support those in need.

Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate neighbourhood and cement Unity in Community!

Coast2Bay calls for “Elf Crew”

CHRISTMAS is a time of joy for many, but for families supported by Coast2Bay Housing Group, it can mean tough choices.

With almost 550 children living in a Coast2Bay home, the organisation is determined to ensure every family has the chance to celebrate the magic of Christmas together. inviting the community

to ‘Join the Elf Crew’- a campaign designed to bring real joy to children and families through gi s, celebrations, and an unforgettable day at Aussie World.

“For as little as $30, you can help us buy a gi from a child’s wish list.

With $50, you’ll give one of our kids a party ticket and

us create memories that last a lifetime.”

Coast2Bay aims to raise $20,000 before December 112 this year to make this celebration possible.

Every dollar goes directly toward gi s and the event, ensuring families feel the joy of the season.

Coast2Bay Housing Group transforms lives by providing homes for those in greatest need.

More than 1,000 families and individuals across Queensland are provided with housing and community support through Coast2Bay.

The organisation creates homes, builds strong communities and transforms lives. Help Coast2Bay make Christmas dreams come true. Visit coast2bay.com.au/join-theelf-crew to donate and Join the Elf Crew today.

to fundraising efforts by the P&C.

The school hosted an event called The GR8 Race as a fun way for students to raise money while enjoying a day of games and activities on Friday November 21.

When Sarah Kwarcianyi from Masterpiece Dance heard about the fundraiser, she thought it was a great cause to support.

As a bit of background, Sarah won the “Pip the Pollies” footy tipping competition earlier this year, run by Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, and as part of her prize,

was very appreciative of the donation and broader fundraising by the whole school community and said the cold water bubblers will be installed soon for kids to enjoy in 2026.

Landsborough State School Year 5&6 students.

Sarah Kwarcianyi, Jen Burgess, Ian Persini (principal).

STUDENTS at Glass House Mountains State School are set to enjoy cold water bubblers thanks

GC&M News will donate $500 to a local charity or organisation of her choice. P&C President, Jen Burgess,

Hinterland Christmas 2025

Community Christmas fun

Beerburrum School of Arts committee hosts annual Christmas party

THE bells were jingling in Beerburrum on Friday November 28 at the annual Community Christmas party.

Beerburrum School of Arts at the historic hall, the party gave youngsters (and the young at heart) a chance to tell Santa if they had been naughty or nice. More than donated by Cafe Phillies as well as face painting, balloon

return

also items the choir will do on their own, very beautiful. There’s some beautiful music coming this year,” said Margaret. Chorus mistress Wendy Gleeson has prepared the concert and will conduct, while Margaret sings with the choir and also performs a

Rehearsals have been mid-October to prepare for one-hour performance from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on Audience members are encouraged to bring coins

art, a petting zoo, popcorn and fairy floss as well as a Christmas-themed puppet show followed by music by local band Bad Eden.

The Beerburrum Primary School P&C joined the fun by providing fun sample bags and the school’s a er school care program created a special photo wall. And Santa Claus arrived courtesy of the Glasshouse Rural Fire Service, helping Mrs Claus distribute books to child attendees.

BSOAAI secretary Liliana

chance for the community to come together to celebrate the season.“It was such a thrill to see so many people from the Beerburrum community come together to enjoy some Christmas cheer,” she said. “The event is a lot of hard work by this and last year’s committees and we were grateful to receive support from the Council’s Grants program as well as a hand from many local businesses.” A joint Christmas market will be held at the Hall on Saturday,

and cash to support the brigade, with donations collected on the night.

For Margaret, it remains “a lovely way to finish the year… a very, very happy” evening that brings friends

and neighbours together in song, community spirit, and Christmas goodwill.

All welcome, optional dress code: colourful Christmas clobber the brighter, the better!

‘Santa

Claws’ comes to SCARS

CAT lovers are invited to a purr-fect morning at SCARS for a special ‘Caturday with Santa Claws’ on Saturday, December 13, from 8.30am to 10.30am at the refuge.

The feline-friendly event, held as part of Cat Awareness Week, brings together SCARS, 4 Paws and Sunshine Coast Council for a fun and informative morning dedicated entirely to cats.

Visitors can snap a festive photo with Santa Claws, pick up Christmas treats at the stalls and enjoy kitten cuddles in the special kitten tent.

The first 10 cats will receive free microchipping. Cats must be in carriers. No bookings required.

SCARS is located at 28 Sippy Creek Road, Tanawha. www.sippycreek.com.au

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Maleny Singers ready for community Christmas Carols.

Santa makes an appearance at Beerburum Hall.

a is Coming

Santa

is Coming to Beerwah

Beerwah Santa

to

Visit Beerwah Marketplace & Village these holidays and take your own photo with Santa! you o

Visit Beerwah Marketplace & Village these holidays and take your own photo with Santa!

Dates and Times

Banjos Bakery

Monday 15th December 10am - 12pm

FreeFace Painting

FreeFace Painting

The Coffee Club Wednesday 17th December 10am - 12pm

Burrito Bar Thursday18th December 12pm - 2pm

SINCLAIR TOUR & TRAVEL

By Glasshouse Country Care

LOOKING a er someone you love takes a lot of time and energy, and many carers forget something important along the way: looking a er themselves. It’s easy to feel like you shouldn’t ask for help, or that taking a break means letting someone down. Before long the guilt and pressure can turn into stress, exhaustion and burnout. Everyone needs time out

- including carers. Stepping back for a short break can make a world of difference. It gives you a chance to rest, catch your breath and look a er your own health. Your loved one also benefits when you return feeling refreshed and supported.

Respite services give carers peace of mind, knowing your loved one is in safe, capable hands while they take a break. Respite also offers a change of routine and more social activity for the person being cared for.

Glasshouse Country Care know how challenging caregiving can be, and they’re here to help. Their flexi-respite services can take place at home or out and about in the community, making it easier for families to choose what works best. Their trained, caring staff step in so you can pause and recharge.

Taking a break isn’t selfish - it’s essential. To find out more about flexi-respite services, call Glasshouse Country Care on 07 5494 6948.

Sleep well for good health You could hear better as soon as Christmas

GETTING a good night’s sleep is important at any age — and older adults need just as much as everyone else: about seven to nine hours each night. What o en changes with age is how we sleep. Many people start feeling sleepy earlier in the evening and wake earlier in the morning. Sleep can also become lighter and more broken, leaving you tired even if you’ve spent enough hours in bed. Sleep is not simply “switching off”. It’s a finely coordinated process guided by your body clock and the build-up of sleep pressure during the day. A healthy night includes cycles of deep non-REM sleep, when the body repairs itself,

and REM sleep, linked to dreaming, memory and emotional processing.

Consistently poor sleep can affect mood, memory, focus and energy, and may increase the risk of longterm health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Pain, medications, anxiety and conditions like insomnia, sleep apnoea or restless legs can also interfere.

Simple habits can help: keep regular bed and wake times, create a calming bedtime routine, keep the bedroom dark and quiet, and avoid caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals late.

For more support, call the Seniors Enquiry Line on 1300 135 500.

WHY travel down the coast when you have a hearing clinic locally in Maleny?

Ben Small is the owner and operator of Sounds Good Sunshine Coast. His experience of nearly 30 years in the hearing industry means you will get the best advice and information possible when you make an enquiry.

Ben is a local of Maleny, and the clinic is situated at 8/43 Maple Street, best accessed via Bicentenary Lane, and opposite the Neighbourhood Centre. The clinic is open Monday through Friday and Saturdays via prior appointment.

Sounds Good also do home visit appointments for those who cannot make it into the clinic, so best to call ahead before visiting the clinic in person.

With Christmas just around the corner, Sounds Good has been assisting many people get their hearing needs under control.

The take up of the FREE assessment has enabled many clients to have a check-up, or to take further steps on the way to improved hearing.

Hearing well, especially over the holiday period, is an important part in feeling included and not

at not being able to follow conversations with family and friends.

To make and appointment for a check up call Ben on 0410 467 090.

Sounds Good is an independent clinic and has access to all makes and repairs.

If your looking at having your existing aids serviced and checked or looking at doing a trial or upgrading give Ben a call to discuss your options.

Obligation and cost free TRIALS are always available.

Local expert, Ben Small can help with hearing issues.

47 Years in motion

By Derek Wilson

I WAS born in London in 1936, the fourth of five children. During the war we were evacuated to different places. I went to Dundee, Scotland. Our family lost contact during those years and in 1952 I got a job with British railways as a locomotive fireman. It was during this year that I met my future wife, Maureen at dancing classes.

In 1955 I was called up for National Service. Promising Maureen if she waited for me, I would marry her. I was demobbed on February 17, and we were married on February 23, 1957. I continued on the Railways, on the Manchester route. One day I had H.R.H., the Duke of Edinburgh, join the train in his Royal carriage. For the honour, my driver and I were each given a genuine guinea coin (21 shillings). It would be worth a fortune today but the Wilson’s used it to buy fish and chips that night.

Housing was scarce in London. We lived in one

room with a small kitchen. So I decided that a better life could be had in Australia and so we applied and came to Adelaide in 1966 as ten pound poms. Kids were free.

We went to Melbourne and invested in a Milkbar. We failed that venture owing $4,000.

In 1968, the iron ore boom in W.A. was on, so I applied and got a job in Mt Newman where Maureen had our 5th child, the first baby born there. It just so happened that the Duke and Duchess of York came to Newman on a visit and wanted to meet the first baby born there. We had the pleasure of having morning tea with them in our house, supplied by the

company B.H.P.

In 1970, I applied for a job Bougainville Island P.N.G. and stayed there for six years which included the country’s Independence Day. It was a great experience for the children.

We le Bougainville and went back to W.A. to Shay Gap mining. The houses were experimental, made of fibreglass to test their resilience. They stood up well during cyclone Leo while we were there.

d for a P.N.G. or six ed the dence at e nville o ses al, ss ring e we or e to Misima where ears to orked in , n open was ed to lage wife nt into ths to ayed for

Again the call for P.N.G, prompted me to apply for a job on Misima Island, Milne Bay where we stayed for six years. We moved back to Queensland and worked in various coal mines, mainly contract work as an open cut examiner. I retired when I was 78 years old and moved to Vantage Maleny village with my much-travelled wife Maureen. I only went into mining for 12 months to pay off a $4,000 and stayed for 47 years.

THE WRITE STUFF - Do you have a life story that deserves to be told? Perhaps it’s a tale of triumph or blunder, the happiest moment or a time of profound sorrow. Whatever it is, we’d love to hear it. We’re inviting readers to share their personal stories for publication. We’re not looking for a perfect story, just honest writing so give it a go and send us 400-450 words with a title, your name, age and town: editorial@gcnews.com.au

Insurance is more for much less

AUSTRALIANS are paying more for private health insurance but getting less back, according to a new Australian Medical Association (AMA) report that calls for urgent national reform.

The AMA’s latest Private Health Insurance Report Card says rising premiums, shrinking value and opaque practices are pushing households to downgrade cover or question whether insurance is worth the cost, even as insurers post big profits.

AMA President, Dr Danielle McMullen, said pressure is building across both public and private care, with public hospitals facing a “severe logjam crisis” that is sending more patients into the private sector. But consumers are being squeezed by “runaway insurance

premiums”, low-value policies and tactics such as “product phoenixing”, where products are rebadged or reshuffled in ways that can make comparisons difficult.

The report finds that since 2008, premium increases have outpaced inflation, health inflation, wages and Medicare indexation. Between 2008 and 2024, premiums rose by more than 100 per cent, while indexation of the Medicare Benefits Schedule increased by less than 20 per cent.

Over the six years to June 2025, insurers li ed benefits paid for in-hospital medical treatment by 18.1 per cent, while profits grew by nearly 50 per cent. In 2024–25, insurers returned 84.2 per cent of premiums as benefits, down from 88 per cent in 2019.

Nominations open for the 2026 Everald Compton Community Champion Medal

AHEAD of International Volunteer Day December 5, National Seniors Australia (NSA) has announced nominations open for the 2026 Everald Compton Community Champion Medal (ECCCM).

NSA Founder, Everald Compton AO, was joined by NSA Chair, Mr Ross Glossop, and NSA CEO, Chris Grice, as together with inaugural medal recipient and Cycling Without Age Gold Coast Founder, Wayne Sticher, they declared

nominations open for the distinguished award that celebrates everyday champions who make a significant difference in their communities.

“At NSA, we are o en reminded of the amazing, yet humble members of our older community.

From volunteering, donating time and skills, to caring for others – what they do may not always be visible, but it certainly makes an impact,” NSA Chief Executive Officer

Mr Chris Grice said. “Last year, we learned about truly inspiring and selfless individuals, including winner, Wayne Sticher, who introduced Cycling Without Age (CWA) to the Gold Coast in January 2020. CWA provides free trishaw rides for older people, people living with a disability, and people impacted by loneliness, enabling them to enjoy the experience of nature, moving, and socialising.

Nomination criteria

for the Everald Compton Community Champion Medal include the following categories: impact on community; leadership & inspiration; community involvement; inclusivity & accessibility; and intergenerational. In 2026, in recognition of the prevalence and impact of dementia as well as mental health conditions, a category for support in the areas of dementia care and mental health will also be introduced.

Meals that deliver more than food

AT RangeCare, we know that food is more than fuel. It is comfort, dignity, and a reminder that someone cares. That’s why our Freeze & Heat Meal program has become such an important part of life across the Sunshine Coast.

What may look like a simple service freshly prepared meals, frozen and delivered weekly is in fact a lifeline. For seniors, people recovering from illness, or anyone who finds cooking a challenge, these meals are more than convenience. They are reassurance: that nourishment is accessible,

that quality is never compromised, and that no one in our community should have to settle for unhealthy options. Deliveries are made weekly, with fees waived for Home Care Package clients. This isn’t just about food it’s about independence. Meals are easy to reheat, giving clients the freedom to enjoy them when it suits their routine.

From roast garlic and rosemary lamb to crispy lemon and herb chicken, from vegetable quiche to spinach and ricotta cannelloni, our menu is cra ed to bring warmth

and familiarity to the table. Seasonal soups add variety, and with prices starting around $10–$11 per meal, we’ve ensured that quality dining remains affordable for households on fixed incomes.

The true impact of this program goes far beyond the plate. By sourcing ingredients locally, we support regional farmers and suppliers. By delivering consistently, we provide peace of mind to families. And by offering hearty, nourishing food, we restore the simple joy of a warm meal. During the

COVID-19 pandemic, when supermarket shelves were bare, our Freeze & Heat Meals became a lifeline. That resilience is part of who we are: a community organization that adapts, supports, and delivers when it matters most.

As a proud part of the Sunshine Coast community, RangeCare is committed to ensuring that care is practical, aff deeply human. Our Freeze & Heat Meal program is proof that meal delivery can be about more than calories. It can be about connection, dignity, and trust.

Image: National Seniors Australia.

Health & Wellbeing

Migraines impact 2.2 million

AROUND 2.2 million

Australians were living with a long-term neurological condition in 2022, with migraine the most common and affecting 77% of those with a neurological diagnosis, according to a new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Published last week, Neurological conditions in Australia is the first time national data on prevalence, health service use, disease burden and

health system spending tied to neurological conditions has been compiled in one place.

“Neurological conditions are diseases of the brain, spinal cord and nervous system, with more than 600 known types that vary widely in cause, though for some, the causes remain unknown,” AIHW spokesperson Richard Hurley said.

The report estimates about 8.7% of Australians, or 1 in 12 people, were

living with a long-term neurological condition in 2022.

Neurological conditions were almost twice as common among females as males, equating to about 1 in 9 females and 1 in 16 males. AIHW said the gap was largely driven by migraine, which affected 9.2% of females compared with 4.1% of males.

Migraine also disproportionately affects people of working age. The report points to

substantial pressure on hospitals and emergency departments. In 2023–24 there were almost 365,000 hospitalisations and more than 132,000 emergency department presentations due to neurological conditions. That represents 29 hospitalisations per 1,000 and 15 emergency presentations per 1,000 linked to neurological conditions.

Neurological illness is also common in aged care. Around 60% of

New research show importance of creating a safer online space for oldies

QUEENSLAND University of Technology researchers are calling for a rethink of “digital inclusion”, arguing that emotional safety, trust and trauma-informed facilitation are essential if online communities are to work for older Australians.

The study, led by QUT PhD researcher Yasamin Asadi from the School of Computer Science, explored online social clubs run by not-for-profit Inclusee. Presented at the 2025 Australian Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (OZCHI), it draws on interviews and observations of participants and facilitators over three months.

While digital platforms can offer connection for

people facing isolation or mobility limits, Ms Asadi said access alone was not enough.

“Older adults bring with them a lifetime of

creating emotionally safe environments where they feel seen, supported, and able to participate on their own terms.”

Researchers found

experiences, including grief, trauma, and exclusion, which shape how they engage with digital spaces,” she said. “It’s about

facilitators were central to sustaining engagement, acting as a “bridge between technology and trust”. Trauma-informed practice

Christmas recipes courtesy of ...

Green beans with parmesan garlic breadcrumbs

Ingredients:

400g green beans, ends

trimmed

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup wholemeal

breadcrumbs

Black pepper, to taste

3 tablespoons parmesan,

finely grated

Method:

STEAM beans in a stovetop steamer or microwave for around 5 minutes, or until tendercrisp.

HEAT oil in a frypan over medium heat.

ADD garlic, stirring until fragrant, around 1-2 minutes.

STIR in breadcrumbs and pepper, cooking until golden and crispy, around 3-5 minutes.

included discreet emotional support, careful content choices and sensitivity to group dynamics, particularly where hobbies and conversation could trigger both joy and painful memories.

Participants reported rediscovering purpose and friendships through the clubs, and some regained confidence with technology. One participant told researchers that joining a theatre club reignited a dream abandoned decades earlier.

“These digital spaces became more than just social platforms, they became places of growth and healing,” Ms Asadi said. “We need to design with care, not just convenience.”

TOSS the breadcrumbs with the green beans and top with parmesan.

Australians in permanent residential aged care had a neurological condition recorded as affecting their care. Costs to the health system were significant.

AIHW estimates $6.6 billion in health-system spending was attributed to neurological conditions, accounting for 3.6% of all disease-related costs.

The costliest conditions were dementia ($1.6 billion), epilepsy ($760 million), multiple sclerosis ($675 million) and migraine ($593

million). Mr Hurley said the publication would underpin an ongoing national reporting system to monitor neurological conditions and aligns with actions under the World Health Organisation’s global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological conditions.

“It’s an important step in improving the outcomes for Australians living with neurological conditions, their families and their wider support network,” he said.

Bowel cancer spike in Elimbah, hinterland

THIS week, about 280 Australians will be diagnosed with bowel cancer, a disease that remains the nation’s second deadliest cancer. New suburb level mapping suggests the risk is not evenly spread across South East Queensland’s growth corridors.

Analysis by the Colonoscopy Clinic, using data from the Australian Cancer Atlas, shows Elimbah recording bowel cancer rates 11 per cent above the national average. The finding places Caboolture among a cluster of communities outside the Sunshine Coast where incidence rises above the benchmark, challenging assumptions that elevated rates are confined to major

coastal centres. A similar pattern is also emerging through parts of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, where rates vary sharply between nearby districts. While the data does not explain why one area outpaces another, clinicians say it should sharpen focus on participation in screening and prompt medical review of symptoms, particularly as diagnoses among younger Australians climb.

Colonoscopy Clinic gastroenterologist Dr Tim Lyon said the increase in cancer detected in people under 50 was now steadily apparent over the past decade, a shi that has helped drive the expansion of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Gingerbread fruit crumble

Ingredients:

6 apples, cored and diced

½ lemon, juiced

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground ginger

Topping:

¼ cup margarine

½ cup wholemeal plain

flour

1 cup oats

¼ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground

cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

PREHEAT oven to 200°C.

COMBINE apples with lemon juice, cinnamon and ginger in a large saucepan

over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes or until apples are warm and slightly so ened.

Transfer to a baking dish.

ADD topping ingredients to a bowl and mix until combined and crumbly.

SPRINKLE topping evenly over apples.

BAKE in oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

SERVE warm with reduced fat yoghurt.

Wrong

place

WHILST apparently invited to met with locals of Coochin Creek, the local Member of Parliament for Caloundra, Ms Kendall Morton and Minster for Tourism and Environment, Andrew Powell failed to make an appearance. Where were they?

Nevertheless, concerned and curious residents came together on a rainy Sunday morning to discuss the implications of the development for a tourist park, the Coochin Creek Tourism Park ( not an ecotourist site as was originally suggested) a big commercial concern with 75 campsites, 75 cabins and a big visitors carpark.

Hmmm why?

Submissions needed to be submitted, by the November 17th deadline. Various people from groups such as Wildlife Preservation Society of Qld, BIEPA Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association, Caloundra Residents Association, TAPP Take Action for Pumicestone Passage, Sunshine Coast Environment Council and more, highlighted the negative impacts such a development could create in such a environmentally sensitive location.

Group has a second development application, the Coochin Fields festival site. Questions about infrastructure for emergencies such as fire and flood remain worryingly unresolved, environmental impact studies and the breaching of the Regional Inter-urban Break suggests corporate profit is yet again influencing policy. This is the Wrong Place - take your events further up the highway to Aussie World.

Burnice Starkey Glass House Mountains

of all plant life and the rise in atmospheric CO2 has increased all vegetation growth and is literally greening the earth. Temperatures are only rising by 0.16 degrees C per decade globally. Are our industrial CO2 emissions really causing dangerous global temperature rise and weather disasters?

Scientific research shows that extreme weather events have not become worse but large increases in population mean that far more people are now

decreased because of a reduction in cloud cover and the sun’s heating of the oceans which cover 71% of the earth explains most of the warming there.

The IPCC’s 1995 radiative forcing hypothesis for CO2 warming wrongly assumes that the earth’s albedo doesn’t change.

Australia only emits 1% of the worlds industrial CO2 and most is absorbed by our vast areas of soil and vegetation With our huge resources of coal, gas and uranium we should have cheap, reliable energy but Bowen’s obsession with unreliable expensive renewables is driving essential heavy industries like steel, nickel and aluminium out of the country.

Sel Hopley Maleny

Thank you

HUGE thanks go to each & every person who has supported our Glasshouse Country RSL Sub-branch by buying a ticket in our raffles throughout the year.

Every $1 ticket purchase helps.

To GHM IGA for giving us space to sell our tickets on Thursday morning, thank you.

To KLM Gas for our weekly Lucky Meal Voucher, Thank you.

To Glasshouse Country Meats who always look a er us, thank you.

To our talented ladies who have made items for our Raffles throughout the year and for our Chrissy Hampers and to all who donated items huge thank you.

To each and everyone who has given freely of their

POLICE BEAT

time to sell tickets outside IGA Thursday mornings, come rain, hail or shine. My heartfelt thanks! To ALL of the wonderful Volunteers who make Glasshouse Country RSL Sub-branch so special Thank you. Wishing you all a Merry Chrissy & a very Happy New Year. Hoping to see you all again when we get back next year for drinks & Nibbles on a Wednesday night and fantastic meals on Friday Nights. Glasshouse Country RSL

Moreover the Comskey

YOU SAID IT ONLINE ..

Your reaction to our story on the Beerwah Co-Op petition launched a er eviction notice

Surely there’s other sites that could be used for the car park? Maybe on the other side of the railway line?

Michele Deveze

Sad if it’s shut down but have also thought for a long time a train station in Caloundra would be good. Catch 22 I guess.

Lee Deimel

CONDITIONS Please

Policy rethink NOW that the Federal LNP has belatedly realised that Bowen’s energy policy of Net Zero by 2050 is ruining Australia’s economy, it would be a good time to examine the “Science” behind the ALP’s so-called “renewable” solar and wind electricity generation ideology. CO2 is a natural gas needed for photosynthesis

Think of how much busier the Landsborough intersection from hell and the Roy’s Rd/SIW intersection will be at peak times. That roundabout beside the pool. 400 cars funnelled in and out of a single lane each way. Ridiculous.

Renee Jeffers

Given the long-publicised plan to develop East Beerwah, it makes no sense to put any parking infrastructure on the west side of an already disjointed town plan.

Stephen Hood

Demolishing established buildings and infrastructure to build

affected. Coral growth on the Great Barrier Reef is normal, polar bears are flourishing, with plenty of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice. Sea level rise from stable tide gauges is still only 2.2mm per year and many islands are growing in area.

Recent studies using Ceres satellite data show that the earth’s albedo or reflection of sunlight over the last 20 years has

a carpark when so much other vacant land adjacent to the railway line exists where a carpark could be constructed seems incredibly wasteful and shortsighted. The Beerwah Co-Op is the beating heart of the Town and can not be easily or affordably replaced, it is the only service station in town that is accessible by trucks and larger vehicles.

Chris Grieve

Massive loss to our community.

Not to mention the loss of the service station as well. Imagine this community only having one service

Big thanks go to our regular weekly donators, GHM IGA, Matilda Fruit Barn and Terry White Chemists.

To our donators for ANZAC Day, Vietnam Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, Andrew Powell MP, Andrew Wallace MP and Cr Jenny

connected to the joke of a car park at beerwah market place.

Susan Parslow

What about the traffic that’ll clog the Woolies area if they get rid of the Co-Op? There’s enough traffic there as it is!

Sophie Young

Beerburrum 2 Nambour rail upgrade

The long-planned duplication of the rail line between Beerburrum and Nambour is currently underway and having a direct impact on our local roadways.

With the summer holidays approaching our local arterial roads are likely to become significantly busier. Both the B2N project and the ongoing work on the traffic lights at Landsborough will likely make travel along Steve Irwin Way even slower with the increase in vehicles. Remember to be patient both with other drivers and with the road workers who are simply doing their job in o en difficult conditions.

There are a number of work sites in relation to the project between Beerburrum and Beerwah, we encourage anyone who notices suspicious activity around the sites to call police either on 131 444 for non-urgent matters or Triple Zero for urgent matters. Alternatively, if you have information to provide but would rather remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers Qld either online or on 1800 333 000.

School Watch

A reminder to all parents that school grounds are not play-grounds outside of school hours.

Many schools have extended outside hours programs across the school holidays and other scheduled events on school grounds with approval from the school. Anyone involved in these programs and events are obviously allowed on school property for those activities.

If you do see someone on school grounds during the holidays or any other time when the school is not open and you believe they should not be there, please call School Watch on 131788.

Holiday opening hours

While operational police are on duty 24/7 all 365 days of the year at Beerwah, the administration staff who manage our front counter have the regular public holidays off. The front counter will be open on all non public holiday weekdays from 8am-4pm as usual.

If you attend the station and the front door is not open simply pick up the blue phone and you will be connected directly to Policelink who will be able to assist you.

Finally a big thank you to the community for making Beerwah Division such a great place to live and work. From all of us at Beerwah Police have a great Christmas and New Year.

and not be personal attacks on individuals. Letters may be

YOU know there’s something big happening when Channel 7 and the ABC venture into the hinterland. Both took a keen interest in the future of the Beerwah Co-Op ... and it’s looking grim. It’s a sad old state of affairs that’s been years in the making, unfortunately. The fact the Co-Op leases

the site means there may not be much more to it than the Department of Transport and Main Roads not renewing the contract. Same as any landlord, harsh as that might seem. In saying all that, there seems to be ample land on the eastern side of the tracks - why has it been dismissed so quickly? These station plans will

make for interesting viewing whenever we get to see them.

What’s your age again?

“What’s your Spotify age?” I was asked the other day, oblivious to the meaning and assuming it wasn’t some new Spotify croc. It’s that end-of-year wrap season where everyone proudly reveals they have terrible taste in music. Mine

is about 17 years old, which is disturbing, I know. This sporting life It might already feel like a long, hot summer and it’s only just started, but at least it doesn’t feel as long as it does for the England cricket team.

Much like Queensland in State of Origin, you get the feeling the Ashes means more to Australia than it

does to England… at least judging by how the English have (not) adapted to the conditions.

The only positive is the Gabba Test went into a fourth day, even if the result felt inevitable.

to tieforitat

Speaking of Queenslanders, I was on the edge of my seat watching Cameron Smith take the lead, lose it, then fight back tie for it at the Australian Open. That last missed putt to drop the Open was tough to watch. Not so for some of my mates though, who were happy to see him go down because of his LIV connection. Ouch.

with Senior Constable Susan Lowndes Beerwah Police Station

New SCHWF committee set vision for 2026

New board for Hinterland Writers Festival

THE Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival Association has unveiled its new management committee, bringing together a strong blend of literary, business and community experience to steer the 2026 event. will help shape an engaging, author-focused program. She is joined by Treasurer John Newstead, local manager of Queensland Country Bank, who brings extensive financial oversight, and Secretary Sharon Thrupp, a respected

Horoscopes

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

As this week’s cosmic quartet of Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars unleashes a planetary tsunami of flamboyant selfexpression, and the energetic recharge of Mercury resurfacing in Sagittarius sets your annual holiday plans back on fast track, stay available to alternative options. Be poised to pivot if necessary.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20

Jupiter’s reversal issues a wake-up call to reconnect with your own personal, inner magic rather than outsourcing it. So start this week by giving yourself room to breathe: some brain space. And don’t rush to refill it, because an available open hour offers a powerful invitation for creative sparks to land.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18

Call out for photo entries

IF one picture tells a thousand words, imagine what incredible stories are created from an entire exhibition that reveals the everyday exchanges, rituals and celebrations of our diverse and vibrant community.

WEEK BEGINNING DECEMBER 9

PISCES

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

As your personal planetary muse, Neptune’s tide finally turns in your sign, uncertainties start firming in positive directions. Just keep adding soul to your goals during Neptune’s final weeks in Pisces for this lifetime, because the energy you build now will support you through the coming year.

ARIES

MARCH 21 – APRIL 20

Your wellbeing’s your responsibility, so if this week’s situations get steamy, Jupiter retrograde suggests easing off the pressure to go full throttle. Feeling stretched? Reshuffle priorities by hitting pause or delegating to create space for both spontaneity and relaxation. Treat your energy like the precious resource it is.

This week’s restless energy needs directing into positive and constructive channels, though you’re not likely to be interested in listening to advice. Current astrological energies can be blunt and outspoken, so be aware of other people’s feelings. On the upside, you could probably talk anyone into just about anything.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 – MAY 20

The current frantic pace isn’t your favourite: Taurus likes measured, steady and controlled. So, who’s in charge, you or the stars? Let others hurry, rush and fluster while you take ‘Ferdinand the Bull’ as your role model, stopping to smell the flowers as you proceed evenly through the to-do list.

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUNE 21

As part of Picture Culture: Here & Now photographic exhibition, Sunshine Coast locals with diverse backgrounds, traditions and customs, are invited to share photographs depicting their cultural life.

Selected works will then be exhibited at the Old Ambulance Station Gallery, Nambour, as part of Horizon Festival 2026. Submissions close January 28. Apply online via the Horizon Festival website.

As your planet mentor Mercury heads into its most talkative mode, this is a good week to remember short is sweet, less is more and not waste time oversharing or micromanaging arrangements. Work smart with clear, concise communication and intelligent delegation. Make K.I.S.S. your mantra: Keep It Simple Sweetheart.

CANCER

JUNE 22 - JULY 22

Feeling more stressed than blessed in this season of unreason?

Generous Jupiter in Cancer suggests your gift to this week could be giving emotional uplift and support to family, friends and colleagues. Jupiter’s present retrograde in your sign can also cause moodiness, so remember to include plenty of self-care.

LEO

JULY 23 – AUGUST 23

Leo’s a fire sign and this is an undeniably fiery week. Its upside is optimistic, outgoing and well-intentioned, while its shadow face can be impatient and opinionated. You’re no stranger to speaking your mind, but unfiltered honesty could upset this week’s more sensitive citizens, so noblesse oblige, majesties.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22

As the volatile approaching holiday cocktail inevitably meets last-minute complications, pause and reconvene so you can close out the old year with a relaxed sense of completion. The late-week waning moon in Virgo advises adjusting your expectations if you’re asking more of people than they can manage.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23

Librans are the zodiac’s most social beings, but no need to accept every invite this week because a few thoughtful calendar adjustments could help you find the sweet spot between festive frenzy and your need for inner peace - which is especially important for avoiding burnout during the approaching weekend Libra moon.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22

Even in reverse, and even in this week’s speedy climate, Jupiter can be a beneficial influence, its backspin reminding you that knowledge is power, but only if you stop long enough to recognise it. So step back and assess what’s helpful, what’s just noise, and choose cooperation over control.

with Lilith Rocha

Aboriginal actress Deborah Mailman photo: Jo-Ann Driessens.

The New SCHWF committee.

Full house for Wyrd Sisters

THE Maleny Players took to the stage on Saturday November 29 evening with the muchanticipated opening night of Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters, directed by Andrew Robjohns. A full house enjoyed a lively and witty performance

The Players extend their heartfelt thanks to the local community for their generous support of the raffle fundraising initiative. Local businesses and residents contribute an outstanding range of prizes for the raffle, which helps raise valuable funds towards the planned extension of the dressing room at the Maleny Playhouse.

Founded more than 40 years ago, the Maleny Players are entirely volunteer-run and continue to thrive thanks to the dedication of local actors, crew, and supporters. Limited tickets remain until Friday December 12, 7pm. via www. trybooking.com

Red Chair unveils stellar 2026 touring program

Highly anticipated return of Stringmansassy tops the bill next year

RED Chair has revealed an impressive 2026 program of eight live music tours set to visit venues across the Sunshine Coast including Eudlo, Maleny and Caloundram- with more locations yet to be announced.

The ambitious season brings together some of Australia’s most respected classical, contemporary and world-music artists, affirming Red Chair’s reputation as one of the region’s leading producers of boutique live performance.

A major highlight of the new season is the highly anticipated return of acclaimed duo stringmansassy reuniting exclusively for Red Chair a er a decade away from the stage. Guitarist Aaron Hopper and vocalist Kacey Patrick will tour in November, drawing on their celebrated fusion of improvisation, jazz and folk influences, and revisiting material from their four critically praised albums.

Another standout is a

rare collaboration between renowned guitarists Karin Schaupp and Andrew Veivers, who will share the stage for their first major joint concert tour, offering an intimate Spanish guitar program in June.

Red Chair Director Angie Dunbavan said the 2026 season reflects the organisation’s commitment to delivering high-quality, community-minded events.

“We’re excited to bring some of the finest homegrown artists to stages across the Sunshine Coast and beyond in 2026, and it’s a real coup to be closing out the year with stringmansassy,” she said. “Our focus is always on creating welcoming, high-quality events for our community — there’s nothing quite like sharing an evening of live music together. We encourage audiences to take advantage of our December ticket offers and consider gi ing these experiences to the music lovers in their lives.”

The program spans opera, chamber music, Black Square Quartet, the

All invited to ‘frolic’ at Maleny poet’s latest anthology launch

Contributed by Lisa Plucknett

Jazz sessions

some of the region’s most exciting emerging and established jazz musicians. Taking place on Wednesday, December 18 2025, this intimate concert invites audiences to step away from the festive season rush and experience an evening of exceptional live music.

Hosted at The Presynct (Upstairs), 15 Ann St, Nambour, Sunshine Coast Stars brings together a hand-picked lineup of local talent, many of whom have been quietly refining their cra throughout the year.

Bryson-Dean (drums) whose musicianship, groove, and improvisational chemistry have made them audience favourites. They will be joined by an impressive roster of special guests including Matt Allen, Ashley Hutton, Jimmy Halliday, and additional surprise performers revealed on the night.

Guests are invited to arrive early from 6pm, with the performance running from 7pm to 9.30pm.

Tickets for Sunshine Coast Stars are priced from $18 to $45, www.oztix.com.

EARLIER this year , I fronted up once more to my friend Sonia (of this magnetic clarion of news) with a poem for her perusal. Her remark “you never stop do youyou should do one more book” elicited from me “ Nah -not enough time and too damned old.”

By the time I had driven home, fingers typing numbers on the wheel, I had reached a total of 49 new poems, and the ‘improbable’ had become the ‘possible’.

As a sequel to last years “In the Bath and up the Garden Path” the title became clear, and so was born “Out of the Bath - but Up the Pole .”

And why “Up the Pole” up the pole one might ask? The title poem describes a visit with my son to a rural Topless Club where the gyrating almost naked ladies

published in this paper (GCMNews) in the preface is the poem “Birth of a Book” (thank you Sonia ) and a last minute addition in memory of artistic friend Kati Hidegh who died recently. Plus a tight culling of previous books selected the 10 most favourite of all times to be included. There will also be a small reprint run of “Up the Garden Path” for those keen to grab a copy. So friends, make space on your calendars and come along and enjoy an a ernnoon frolic with me as I host my ‘swan song’ book launch on Saturday, December 13 from 2–4pm, set once again in the same idyllic garden venue enjoyed last year. Guests are invited to celebrate in relaxed surrounds at Maleny and connect with the community. For enquiries and address details contact Carole on 0414 373 734 or Lisa on 5494 3295.

inspired me to climb a pole. With graphic cartoons by friend Satya, the book frolicking. Poems include many

Lisa Plucknett with the artist dra of her latest book cover.

Photo: Sonia Isaacs

Ashley Hutton set to perform at the end of year Jazz showcase.

Stringmansassy tour for Red Chair in 2026.

Photo: Marsha Fotografie.

What’s On

Maleny Christmas street party

When: Friday December 12, 5pm - 9pm

Where: Maple Street, Maleny

Info: Our local shops are open, local market stalls, live music and carols, kids fun, and plenty of festive spirit. Share the joy!

Outdoor Movie

Screening: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

When: Friday December 12, 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Where: Bankfoot House

1998 Old Gympie Rd, Glass House Mountains

Info: Cultural Heritage Services and Starry Nights invite you to a series of free outdoor movie screenings at Bankfoot House. Bring your favourite comfy camp chair, bean bag or blanket. or just come as you arethere’s plenty of space for everyone. And don’t miss out on the free popcorn! Free. Registration essential. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS: Celebrate the holiday season with the Grinch in this iconic Dr. Seuss classic where he discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Starring Jim Carrey.

Community Carols

When: Friday December 12, 6.30pm

Where: Maleny RSL

Info: Carols countdown is on! Community Carols at Maleny RSL are just one week away and we cannot wait to fill the hall with voices, colour and Christmas cheer. Singalong carols + special feature items, Raising funds for Maleny Rural Fire Brigade, Optional dress code: colourful Christmas clobber — the brighter, the better! Bring your family, your festive spirit and your best singing voice. See you there!

Maleny Christmas Festival

When: Friday December 12, 5pm - 9pm

Where: Maple Street, Maleny

Info: Our wonderful town will come alive with music, food, late night shopping, Santa, kids activities, and the festive spirit

Down Under Cra

When: Saturday December 13, 9am - 12.30pm

Where: Landsborough Hall

Info: Down Under Craft at

the Landsborough Hall on is busy creating wonderful unique gifts for Christmas. Seeking a special gift for the people you love. Come and select from our great handmade gifts which include toys, hand towels, steering wheel protectors, children’s clothes, jewellery, Christmas decorations and beautiful platters. We are open every Wednesday and Saturday from now until and Christmas from 9:00 to 12:30. See you there.

Build your own 3D Christmas tree ornament

When: Saturday December 13, 10.30am - 11.30am Where: Bankfoot House, 1998 Old Gympie Rd, Glass House Mountains

Info: Get creative this festive season! Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where you will decorate and assemble your very own 3D Christmas tree. All materials are provided—just bring your imagination.

Kids Christmas Party at Glasshouse Tavern

When: Saturday December 13, 11am - 3pm Where: Glasshouse Tavern, Reed Street, Glass House Mountains Info: It’s back – and it’s bigger and better than ever! Our Kids Christmas Party has booked out the last 3 years, so make sure you don’t miss out! Face painting, Cookie & bauble decorating, Colouring-in fun, Dress-ups & prizes Bookings essential! Call 5493 0933 to secure your spot. Bring the kids and kick off the festive season with fun, laughter, and Christmas magic!

Mooloolah Valley Community Christmas Party

When: Saturday December 13, 4pm Where: 47 Bray Road, Mooloolah Valley Info: FREE Petting zoo & pony rides, FREE Face painting for kids, FREE Glow sticks, Raffles with great prizes, Meet Santa, Prizes for best home Christmas lights, Best dressed competition for kids & adults. Other activities: Carols, Glowing lights, Fun prizes and games, Sausage sizzle, ice creams, mocktails, Market stalls. Reminder: Bring your picnic rug!

Tower Green Twilight Christmas Markets

When: Saturday December 13, 3-7pm

Where: Beerwah CWA Hall, Simpson St, Beerwah Info: Supported by a generous grant from the Sunshine Coast Council and run by the ladies of the QCWA Beerwah Branch, it will be an afternoon filled with music, food and plenty of free fun for families including Santa. Visit our Facebook page, ‘QCWA Beerwah’, for more information.

Glass House Mountains Community Christmas Party

When: Saturday December 13, 3-8pm

Where: Glass House Mountains Community Hall, 8 Coonowrin Road

Info: Celebrate the joy of the season with your family at our Community Christmas Party! Enjoy fun activities, holiday music, delicious treats, and special surprises for kids of all ages. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with your neighbours, spread holiday cheer, and make lasting memories together. Bring your holiday spirit and let’s make this season magical for everyone!

Peachester village

Christmas markets

When:Saturday December 13, 8am - 12pm

Where: Peachester Community Hall Info: Christmas Markets at Peachester Community Hall. Call 0408542961 to book a stall site.

Santa Mail

When: Saturday December 13 - Wednesday December 24

Where: Beerwah Library, Peachester Rd, Beerwah Info: We have a direct line to the North Pole! Visit the library and write a letter to Santa and post it, ready for delivery by reindeer. All ages. Registration not required. Drop in session during library opening hours.

Elf Scavanger Hunt

When: Saturday December 13 - Wednesday December 31

Where: Beerwah Library, Peachester Rd, Beerwah Info: The elves are back and hiding in the library. Find them all before they get up to any mischief! All ages.

Registration not required. Drop in session during library opening hours.

“that special Christmas feeling”

When: Sunday December 14, 2pm - 3.30pm

Where: 2 Walkers Dr, Maleny

Info: Beautiful Christmas music sung by the Inspiration Choir, Caloundra Community Choir and brilliant Soloists.

35th Reesville

Christmas Party

When: Monday, December 15, from 5pm

Where: 460 Reesville Road (corner of Corks Pocket Road)

Info: Please bring finger food to share and your own drinks. Tea and coffee will be provided. Everyone is welcome. The party is on HAIL, RAIN or SHINE!

Christmas Tennis Fun Day

When: Monday December 15, 3.30pm - 6.30pm

Where: Landsborough Tennis Club

Info: For just $25, kids of all ages and skill levels can enjoy target hitting, mystery prizes, piñatas, games, and plenty of festive fun. Friends and family are warmly invited. Afternoon tea, a hotdog, and a drink are included. For enquiries, please contact Coach Katya Spierling on 0417 625 194

Festive ornaments

When: Tuesday December 16, 10am - 11am

Where: Maleny Library Info: Create your own festive decorations using craft materials supplied and spread the magic! Ages 4 years+.

Kite making

When: Wednesday December 17, 9.30am11am

Where: Beerwah Library, Peachester Road, Beerwah Info: Create a cool kite using the materials supplied. Fun to fly when the weather is right! Ages 6 years+.

Montville Carols on the Green

When: Wednesday December 17, 6pm - 8pm

Where: 141-143 Main St, Montville

Info: Gather your family, friends, and neighbours for a festive night under the stars filled with Christmas cheer and community spirit! Sing along to your favourite

Christmas carols with; The Salvation Army Band, The Mapleton Choir, Kristy Turner + Garry Sando. FREE Sausage Sizzle from 6–7 PM, Face Painting + Bubbles 6-7 PM, GIANT Christmas Cracker Tug-o-War for the kids! Bring a picnic rug, settle in, and celebrate the joy of Christmas together.

Toy theatre cra

When: Wednesday December 17 & Saturday December 20, 10.30am11.30am

Where: Bankfoot House, 1998 Old Gympie Rd, Glass House Mountains Info: Toy theatres were a popular form of entertainment in Victorian times. Once made you could buy plays to put onhundreds of popular West End plays were reproduced for toy theatres. Build your own Pollock’s Toy Theatre, a genuine Victorian theatre complete with stage, scenery and characters.

Harriet Hound storytime & Superpup cra session

When: Thursday December 18, 10.30am -11.30am

Where: Rosetta Books, 30 Maple Street, Maleny Info: Join bestselling children’s author Kate Foster at Rosetta Books in this fun and crafty school holiday workshop for all ages. Cost $5 redeemable against one of Kate’s books. Book at www.rosettabooks. com.au

Roll-The-Dice adventure writing

When: Thursday December 18, 12.30 -1.30pm

Where: Rosetta Books, 30 Maple Street, Maleny Info: JJoin bestselling author Kate Foster at Rosetta Books in this super fun and interactive school holiday writing workshop for primary schoolaged children. Cost $5 redeemable against one of Kate’s books. Book at www. rosettabooks.com.au

Christmas star ornament cra

When: Thursday December 18, 10.30am - 11.30am Where: Landsborough Museum, Maleny Street, Landsborough Info: Join us for a joyful crafting session where creativity meets holiday spirit! Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just looking for a fun way to

celebrate the season, this hands-on workshop invites you to design and decorate your own unique Christmas ornaments. Perfect for gifting, tree-trimming, or simply spreading cheer, this activity is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Materials provided. Come make memories—and a little holiday magic!

Create your own beeswax Christmas candle

When: Friday December 19, 10.30am - 11.30am Where: Landsborough Museum, Maleny Street, Landsborough Info: In this festive workshop, you’ll learn how to craft beautiful, handmade, rolled beeswax candles perfect for holiday décor or heartfelt gifts. Choose from a variety of colours, and embellishments to make your candle truly one-ofa-kind. Whether you’re crafting solo or with friends, this hands-on activity is sure to spark joy and light up your holidays.

‘Twas

When: Friday December 19Sunday December 21

Where: Maleny Playhouse, Maleny Showgrounds, Maleny Info: ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a Mouse! Mouse absolutely does not want anything to do with Christmas, but through a magical adventure she may just change her mind. Tickets: events.sunshinecoast.qld. gov.au/event/33290950-a/ twas

Beerburrum Country Market

When: Saturday December 20, 7am - 12.30pm Where: 7 Anzac Ave, Beerburrum

Info: Visit our friendly community which hosts a multitude of crafts, arts, coffee, fresh fruit/vegies, eggs, card making, bacon/egg rolls, plants, honey and cottage industries before exploring the numerous Glass House Mountains trails from Beerburrum to Landsborough.

Church & Community

While we wait.....

LIKE most of us I spend a surprising amount of my life waiting. Waiting in traffic. Waiting for test results. Waiting for prayers to be answered. Waiting for children to grow, careers to change, relationships to heal, or seasons to pass. Life seems stitched together by moments of waiting. Small ones that last minutes and deep ones that last years. Yet the Bible reminds me that waiting is not wasted time. God does some of His most transformative work in the pauses. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31). To “wait upon the Lord” doesn’t mean finding myself sitting with folded hands and an anxious heart. It means trusting His timing, resting in His promises, and leaning into His presence while I

take each step at a time. And that’s not always easy. Think of Joseph in prison, waiting for freedom. Think of David waiting years a er being anointed before sitting on the throne. And Joshua waiting 40 years to come into the promised land. Think of the disciples waiting in the upper room for the promised Holy Spirit. In each case, the waiting was not an interruption. It was preparation. God was shaping their character, strengthening their faith, teaching them dependence, and aligning circumstances for His perfect moment. Our waiting seasons o en feel like nothing is happening. But in God’s hands, something always is. While we wait, He renews strength. While we wait, He stretches our trust. While we wait, He removes what holds us back. And while we wait, He draws us deeper into His heart. Sometimes the answers come quickly.

Genealogy Christmas party event

Contributed by Jan England

GENEALOGY Sunshine Coast will hold its December meeting, Christmas Party and annual break-up on Saturday, December,13 at its premises opposite the swimming pool in Petrie Park Road, Nambour.

with Charles Russell Landsborough Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Other times they unfold slowly. But the promise of Isaiah 40:31 is clear: those who wait on the Lord do not lose strength. They gain it. They soar. They run with endurance. They keep walking when others would give up.

So, if you find yourself in a waiting place today, remember that God is not distant or silent. He’s working, weaving, and preparing. Your waiting is not a delay in His plan. It is a designated part of it. Lord, teach me to wait with faith. Help me trust Your timing, rest in Your promises, and grow through every season of uncertainty. Renew my strength today as I wait upon You. Amen.

Follow the sparkle of Christmas lights

communities right across the region.

This year, Sunshine Coast Council has lit up 26 trees with eco-friendly LED displays and vibrant decorations, transforming parks, streets and village greens into sparkling nighttime attractions.

residents and visitors alike are invited to explore the region’s festive hotspots.

Kenilworth Road, beside the

Kenilworth:Town Park, Maleny–Kenilworth Road. Maleny: Maple and Coral streets roundabout Mapleton: Montville Mapleton Road, opposite Mapleton RSL Park.

The celebration will feature a giant raffle, plenty of good food and a chance for members and visitors to come together before the holiday season. The centre will close from that a ernoon for a wellearned break, reopening on Monday, January 19.

Members are encouraged to mark their calendars for the group’s first major event of the new year, Discovery Day set for Saturday, February 28 2026.

Genealogy Sunshine Coast extends warm wishes to all its supporters for a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy holiday season.

From strolling beneath the illuminated branches along Caloundra’s Esplanade, to enjoying

Council is encouraging families to plan their own Christmas lights trail, take in the warm summer evenings and embrace the joy of the season.

Local highlights include trees at:

Caloundra: The Esplanade near Bulcock Beach car park.

WASTE MATTERS

Turn the Tap, Don’t Crack the Cap Summer and warmer weather are here, which means more water being consumed. For many people, this means cracking the cap on single use plastic water bottles.

around 373 million plastic water bottles, spending nearly $600 each on bottled water.

Research shows that bottled water:

Montville: Village Green, Main Street.

With glowing displays from the hinterland to the coast, the Sunshine Coast is set to shine brighter than ever this Christmas.

carbon emissions (up to 3L of water & 1L of crude oil makes just 1L of bottled water).

According to a UN report, we have the world’s most expensive bottled water, even though most of us can access good, safe drinking water straight from the tap. Last year, Australians bought and discarded

• contributes to plastic waste, with most bottles going to land fill and some ending up in waterways and oceans, harming marine life

• releases microplastic particles and chemicals into the water, harming human health and the environment

• wastes energy, resources and water and produces

Alternatives to buying bottled water: • carry a refillable water bottle

• ask Council to install more water fountains for people to refill bottles.

If you have to buy bottled water, look for a BPA-free label and avoid bottles labelled PVC and BPS.

WAM’s aims are to educate and empower people to take action on waste and related issues, at a personal and community level. To find out more, visit our website www.wasteactionmaleny.org , Facebook group WAM Waste Action Maleny or email us at wasteactionmaleny@gmail.com.

Sport results

Glassy

Bowls

Contributed by David Hayes

WEDNESDAY 03.12.25

Social Bowls 9.00am start. Marg Smith, Viv James and Rob Scullion def Bob Logan, Annette Capern and Noelene Annakin 23 - 15. Frank Scadding, Stephanie Sleeman and Sylvia Chamberlain def Carolyn Malcomson, Carol Lewis and Marilyn Podmore 20 -17. Jos Evans, Sally Squires and Jill Kirchheiner def

Seija Munster, Joy Reason and Marg Gibson 24 - 16. Jonathan Orr and John Palte def Geoff Edmonds and Warren Blackbourne 33 - 7. Gary Renshaw and John Annakin drew with Mark Whittam and Scott Bedwell 16 all. Winners of the day were John Palte’s team. R/Up were Rob Scullion’s team. Lucky draw went to Warren Blackbourne’s team.

Thursday 04.12.25 Social Bowls 12.30pm start. 32 players took the green for 8 rinks of pairs.

Maleny Bowls Club

Contributed by Brett Gillis BAREFOOT Bowls Christmas celebrations have started with Maleny Cheese (Friday 5th Dec) and IGA Maleny (Saturday 6th Dec) enjoying our hospitality and facilities in a relaxed atmosphere under lights and the stars with that amazing moon. It was terrific to see so many of our volunteers on hand to ensure all went well and our visitors had a great time. This weekend we are hosting 50 emergency services personnel who will celebrate Christmas with a Barbeque, Barefoot Bowls and refreshments at our licensed Bar.

Friday 12th December is our combined Trophy Presentation Night and

The winners of the day winning their first game and having the highest winning margin in the 2nd with + 15 were Mark Whittam and Grant Podmore.

R/Up winners of the losers with the highest winning margin in the 2nd game were Dick Coppa and Rob Coffey (Maleny).

Lucky draw went to Nicky Bedwell and Scott Bedwell.

Raffle winners were Sally Squires x 2, Kerry Munster, John Annakin and Scott Bedwell.

Members Christmas Party where guests bring a plate of food to share. Last year the range and standard of food was simply amazing which is a highlight of the year. There is a bit of rivalry and “chefs” trying to outdo the others which is fabulous and very tasty I can assure you. We will also recognise individual and team performances and success throughout the year.

Our Tuesday Jackpot Pairs lucky draw is now $500. 7:30am for 8am start with 2 x games of 10 ends with a break for morning tea where you get to enjoy home made delights. Following the games around 11:30am there is wine prizes for the team with the most wins and largest margin. Then a lucky marble draw of a positive or negative number will reveal the jackpot winners who will share the $500.

Range Croquet Club

Contributed by David Kerr

IT had been requested that the number of shopping days till Christmas not be mentioned in previous croquet columns.

This was not a problem for your typical male correspondent as there is only one shopping day, ie the a ernoon before.

And anyway, why shop when one can hit balls through hoops any day of the week at the Range Croquet Club.

On Sunday we had the pleasure of patron Mr Ted Singleton join us for social play and the benefit of his knowledge of the game – its strokes, strategy and training drills.

As mentioned previously Ted along with Vince Carbery were pivotal in establishing the courts and the club over three decades ago.

Their contribution continues! And also, why shop when there are Christmas lunches, breakups and festivities to be

had.

We had our lunch on Saturday - a fine spread with club members all contributing to the banquet.

Being a Christmas lunch there were of course Crackers, with hats, little gi s, puzzles and riddles – the latter being responsible for groans around the table.

Two riddles stood out: Q. Do you hear about the cross-eyed teacher? A. He couldn’t control his pupils!

Q. What’s round and bad tempered? A. A vicious circle!

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Christmas Crackers were first made in London in the mid1800s at the same time croquet was introduced to England from Ireland. Fortunately, things have moved on from the early days when there were themed Crackers, including a range for bachelors and spinsters, where the gi s were false teeth and wedding rings!

Should anyone like to have-a-crack at croquet, then call 0417640704.

Santa out to bag some hoops.

Jazzy joined the festivities.

Call Tim and Tash - 0400 700 723

Glasshouse

Casual

Afternoons: Monday, Wednesday & Friday2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Mornings: Tuesday & Thursday7:30 am to 11:00 am

Duties include:

Greeting patients and managing bookings

Answering calls and

Working

General

WANTED CASUAL SUPPORT WORKERS.

Blue/Yellow

Health. Send Resume totroy@greenumbrella.net.au

Current

or

more than just a page in the paper. Your advertising is also seen online by our 2,000 subscribers. Add to that bonus editorials and your open homes sent out with our weekly newsletter and posted on our Facebook page (with 25,000 + followers).

Glenview’s tougher Pro Am celebrates inclusion

By Patrick Gillett

LAST Thursday’s charity

Pro Am at Glenview delivered a different look to the usual par-3 circuit, pairing golfers with intellectual disabilities alongside PGA professionals on a layout described as more “proper golf” than the typical pitch-and-putt style course.

Golf Programs Australia founder and president, Darrell Dalton, said the course had been transformed in recent months, with ground staff putting in six months of work to li presentation ahead of the event.

“The course is in fantastic shape for a little par three,” Dalton said. “You couldn’t recognise the course from six months ago to what it is today. Wade Hooper and the ground staff and all their staff have just done a wonderful job in preparing the course. The greens, the fairways are just beautiful.”

PGA state manager for Queensland and the Northern Territory, Broc Greenhalgh, said the

venue “a real golfers golf course”.

“The PGA plays numerous par 3 tournaments around Australia, but this one’s quite unique,” he said.

single hole here, you’ve got an entirely full shot.”

Greenhalgh said the tougher set-up helped explain why scoring was higher than some may have

Multimillion-dollar sports grounds opened at Aura

very easy to shoot low numbers when you’ve always got a mid to high iron in your hand. So the score’s being a little higher is not a big surprise.The

said the day was about inclusion, connection and giving players the chance to compete alongside professionals in a quality tournament setting.

STOCKLAND Aura will mark the opening of two new sporting precincts on Saturday, unveiling the $8 million Baringa Sports Complex and the $5 million Nirimba Rugby League Grounds.

The Baringa Sports Complex covers 7.5 hectares and includes two full-size AFL fields, eight tennis courts and four pickleball courts, along with extensive shaded spectator seating and lighting for night games.

The new hub will become home to the Caloundra Panthers AFL Club and

Tennis Queensland, while remaining available for casual community use outside of club times.

About five kilometres away, the Nirimba Rugby League Grounds feature two full-size rugby league fields and a clubhouse, creating Aura’s first senior rugby league facility.

An inclusive sports clubhouse at Nirimba has been funded with support from the Queensland Government in association with Sunshine Coast

Director Josh Sondergeld said the projects were part of ongoing investment in sport and recreation across Aura.

“We’re incredibly proud to see two new sporting destinations open for the Aura community.

Residents of all ages now have even more opportunities close to home to get active, connect with others and take advantage of the outdoor lifestyle Aura is known for,” Mr Sondergeld said.

to create Australia’s most liveable masterplanned community, where everything is designed to work together to support a healthy and connected lifestyle.”

Sunshine Coast Council will maintain the grounds at both venues, with the clubhouses managed by local sporting clubs.

Cr Jenny Broderick said the new facilities would be a major asset for the growing

Kendall Morton MP, Charlotte Buckley and Cr Jenny Broderick.

Christmas Giggles

What do you call Santa when he stops moving?

Santa Pause.

Why did the ornament go to school? It wanted to be a little brighter.

What do elves learn in school? The elf-abet.

Why is Santa so good at karate? He has a black belt in “ho-ho-ho.”

What do snowmen take when they get sick? A chill pill.

Why was the turkey at the Christmas party? It was the chicken’s day off.

What do you get if you cross Santa with a detective? Santa Clues.

What do you call a greedy elf? Elfish.

Why was the math book sad at Christmas? It had too many problems.

Why was the elf cold? He forgot his “elf” coat.

What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Ice Krispies.

Why did Santa go to music school? To improve his wrap skills.

What do you call a reindeer with no eyes? Noeye-deer.

Why don’t Christmas trees knit? They keep dropping their needles.

What do you get if you cross a snowman and a dog? Frostbite.

Why was the turkey in a band? He had the drumsticks.

Why did Rudolph get a great report card? Because he went down in history.

Calling all joke tellers!

Email

Pine Forests

Let’s talk about the Good, the Bad, the Ugly

Contributed by Ethan Mimnaugh, Mooloolah Landcare Nursery

WE are all familiar with the classic, European or North American pine forests which we see on television. These cathedrals of trees don’t have as much variety as rainforests, and this o en gives them a much neater look. Tall, straight trees bearing horizontal branches with needlelike leaves stand like soldiers, covering the ground below them in fine leaf litter and shade. Let’s dive into the world of pine forests; both the exotic pine forests grown for timber, the beautiful native pine forests which are under threat, and

where those two worlds meet.

Most of us are familiar with the kinds of exotic forests planted along the Bruce Highway, and throughout many other places in South East Queensland, but these forests are poor replications of the North American ecosystems from which these trees come. Perhaps you have bought, or are planning to buy, one for your Christmas tree this year.

The most common pines which are grown in these forests are Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) and Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata). These are both endemic to the Southern United States. Slash Pine grows in and around Florida, normally

growing in swampy areas. This means it loves our humidity, and our boggy soils. The other Pine we o en see is Radiata Pine which is actually endemic to 3 small regions in the south-west United States, and 2 islands in Mexico. It is endangered in its home range due to feral goats, as well as root mould diseases. These two pines are the exemplars of selective breeding as the timber forms grow faster, and straighter than their wild forms.

Our two native pines, although we have no true “pines” in the genus Pinus, are the Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) and the Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwilli). This is an ancient Gondwanan lineage which would’ve dominated most of Australia’s landscape with the dinosaurs. The Hoop Pine can live over 400 years and has been reported to grow up to 60 metres, although this is not likely to occur without many large trees supporting each other. Its brother, Bunya Pine (Bonyi in Kabi Kabi), is one of the most important trees in the region, providing kilograms of delicious nuts

Bunya Gatherings which have always occurred in the Bunya Mountains and the Blackall Range, saw thousands of Indigenous people travelling hundreds of kilometres, following song-lines or star maps, in order to hold ceremonies, to share and trade knowledge and lore, and to practice culture amongst the bounty of the Bunya Pines. These beautiful trees are also under threat from root mould diseases, and so it is important to sanitise your shoes if you are visiting Bunyas in the wild.

We o en see Slash Pine and Radiata Pine growing in woodlands, swamps, and even on exposed hills. These invasive trees, while they

birds, are also extremely dominant in areas which are also fire prone. This means, unlike our native pines which prefer colder, and more humid conditions, these exotic pines o en cause some of our worst wildfires. Furthermore the beautiful leaf litter which is so good in those humid, native pine forests, becomes a tinderbox in our more flammable areas where otherwise open woodlands, or teatree swamps might grow.

While these exotic pines are nice to have around at this time of year, being something quick to grow and easy to cut for a Christmas tree, it may be worth considering a native

growing, potted plant which you can use instead. Other Aussie species like the She-Oaks (Casuarina), or the slower growing Native Cypress Pines (Callitris) are also be great live trees, kept in pots outside during the rest of the year. At Mooloolah River Landcare, we have grown some of these into large sizes for purchasing this Christmas. Hopefully you’ve learned something about the different types of pine forests we have in our area, and perhaps are inspired to learn more about them. Whether it’s for Christmas, for timber, or for beautiful forests, there is definitely something to gain from our beautiful natives.

Aracaurian Forest - by Ollie Scully.

Bunya Pines - by Neil Ennis.

Sydney’s property market continued to experience strong resilience in 2025, despite home value growth still falling behind Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, along with already elevated prices and cost-of-living pressures. Yet as we discuss in our recently released McGrath Report 2026, Sydney remains Australia’s powerhouse property market for other reasons as well. Changes to NSW zoning laws aim to fast-track major apartment developments, with the hope that this will encourage more townhouses, semidetached houses, and boutique apartments to be built near handy amenities. This in turn will suit more buyers’ needs and budgets. Sydney’s many new transport projects are already giving residents easier access to everyday amenities and simplifying their work commute.

Projects such as Sydney Metro, Australia’s largest public transport project, is not only reshaping the city’s connectivity but also unlocking sleeper

JOHN MCGRATH – SYDNEY’S PROPERTY MARKET CONTINUES TO SET THE PACE

therefore appealing to property buyers. Sydney Metro features 46 stations across 113km of new railway lines and four networks which will connect Sydney’s northwest, west, southwest,

the Metro Northwest Line, opened in May 2019, with the 15.5km city section between Chatswood and Sydenham opening in August 2024. The extension to Bankstown is due to open in 2026 and is already attracting buyers to previously overlooked suburbs such as Hurlstone Park, Canterbury, and Campsie, which

hotspots like Marrickville and Dulwich Hill. The Western Sydney (Nancy-Bird Walton) International Airport, is also due to open in 2026. It will be about twice the size of Sydney’s current airport

terminal and will include direct links to the Sydney CBD via the Metro. The 16km M12 Motorway will also connect drivers to the international airport, via the M7 and The Northern Road. Meanwhile, the Parramatta Light Rail from Westmead to Carlingford opened in December 2024, with the construction of Stage 2 linking Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park now underway. So, the demand in Sydney from several buyer groups continued in 2025. One of these groups

undeterred from purchasing properties

city in the country, as Cotality’s Housing last month. In fact, Cotality’s Monthly Housing Chart Pack in June 2025 found

home buyers, which is above the decade average. And many of these buyers are rentvestors. In fact, NSW leads the country in rentvesting, likely due to properties and high rents pushing young people toward ownership. In its Housing

that in the September quarter of 2025, in NSW were secured for investment properties, rather than owner-occupier ones.

Sydney’s prestige market was buoyant in ever. The top 10 sales totalled $384.5 million, according to Dyson Austen Valuers. In Cotality’s latest Home Value Index, Sydney’s median dwelling value is now $1,256,156, following 4% annual growth. This growth lagged all capital cities except Canberra, Melbourne, and Hobart, with Canberra’s $877,937 median dwelling value following a 3.2% yearly increase. NSW regional dwelling values grew 5.2% across the year to reach $789,928.

While Sydney and NSW remain Australia’s most expensive city and regional markets, and growth was certainly subdued in FY25, possible rate cuts in 2026 could reignite demand. by buying before renewed competition pushes prices even higher.

of McGrath Estate Agents.

9 Chestnut Cres, Caloundra West - $700 per week

Blaxland Street, Golden Beach - $750 per week Nirimba - $760 per week

Spring Market Recap –Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Spring has delivered a noticeable surge in momentum across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland property market with increased buyer demand and exceptional prices over October and November delivering two of the strongest sale months of 2025. With an average sale price of $1.1 million, 17 sales, and around 30 enquiries per listing, McGrath Beerwah have observed an

of a hinterland lifestyle continues to draw both local and interstate buyers to this stunning location.

Across the region, Spring 2025 has seen a spike in demand for quality homes on small acreage parcels, particularly those located in well-loved, family friendly neighbourhoods. According to Cassi Nuske, Sales Specialist at McGrath Coast &

Hinterland, this season has been very encouraging for owners of properties in the mid to upper $1million price range. “This sector has been a little slower over the past 12 months, however we’ve experienced a range $1,550,000 to $1,750,000. Interestingly, four of these sales have been to families relocating from within a 30km radius of Beerwah who are upsizing

appeal of the Glass House Mountains region with the local Sunshine Coast community looking for a more relaxed pace of life.”

As 2025 comes to an end, Cassi and the team would like to wish the hinterland community a safe and happy festive season. “Thank you for your ongoing trust and support throughout the year, it’s truly an honour to support our clients with their property needs. If 2026 is the year for your next chapter, please reach out; we’d love to explore what’s possible.”

Secluded Glass House Mountains sanctuary with endless lifestyle appeal

Down a long, tree-lined driveway awaits Mount Cooee Farm, a remarkable retreat set across 35-acres of fertile land abundant in Bordered by National Park, this secluded estate combines

If you would like to speak to our team regarding buying, selling or renting, we would be delighted to assist you further. For leasing and new client enquiries please contact our New Client Consultant Deb Fleming on 0488 771 626. For all sales enquiries please contact Cassi Nuske

We look forward to being of service for all of your real estate requirements.